It might be wise to wait for the next cotton harvest in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh before spraying Coca-Cola over your begonias. Hundreds of Indian farmers have reportedly turned to the fizzy drink as a cheap alternative to commercial pesticides. "I observed that the pests began to die after the soft drink was sprayed on my cotton," Gotu Laxmaiah, a farmer from Andhra Pradesh, told the Deccan Herald this week.

Indian experts say the sugary solution may attract ants that feed on insect larvae; cola also contains caffeine, which has been shown to repel slugs and snails.

Effective or not, pesticide will no doubt be added to the numerous properties ascribed to Coca-Cola. According to "Cokelore", the drink removes stains and rust deposits (true to an extent, but then so do all carbonated drinks and plain soda is better as it won't leave a sugary residue), dissolves a metal nail soaked overnight (of course not, try it and see) and is used as a spermicide in China. Several scientists have tested Coke's efficacy as a spermicide. Their finding? It works, but not enough to rely on as a contraceptive.